According to Mr. Cyril Monye, the NAFDAC Public Relations Officer for the South-South Zone, the discovery occurred on Friday morning, thanks to the swift action of agency officials. Monye revealed that the suspects had been operating under the guise of a dilapidated shop, using it as a front for their illicit production activities.

The modus operandi of the syndicate involved filling used Eva plastic bottles with contaminated water sourced from a paint bucket. To conceal their fraudulent operation, they employed a makeshift filter consisting of a dirty rubber funnel covered with cloth material. Once filled, the bottles were labeled with counterfeit Eva labels and sealed with fake caps.

One of the distributors, identified as Chibunna James, was apprehended while in the process of loading the adulterated water for sale. However, the mastermind behind the operation remains at large, prompting ongoing efforts by law enforcement to track him down.

Emmanuel Onogwu, the NAFDAC Coordinator in Rivers State, emphasized the importance of public cooperation in combating such criminal activities. He urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior or products to the authorities promptly.

The busting of this fake bottled water syndicate underscores the critical role played by regulatory agencies like NAFDAC in safeguarding public health and ensuring the integrity of consumable goods. By working together with law enforcement and the public, NAFDAC continues its relentless pursuit of those who seek to profit at the expense of consumer safety.